Philadelphia Life and Style Blog with Authentic Inspiration, Achievable Style and Beauty, and Affordable Lifestyle for Ambitious Millennial Women

November 12, 2016

Trend to Try: Over the Knee Boots

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Happy…Saturday?! ICYMI, I’m currently traveling around Chicago on a press trip AND have had a huge project in the works for, um, months that’s dropping this week, so it’s been a wee bit nutso at CUR headquarters. Hence, no post yesterday…and a post today instead! Either way, be sure you’re following me on Snapchat (@ erica_lig) to watch yesterday’s zoo antics before they expire. Jussssayin’. 😉

Today, we’re trying a trend together – you in?

Over the knee boots.

You love ’em or you hate ’em, but either way, they’re 100% a trend to try fo’ yo’self this season. As in all Trend to Try posts on CUR, we’re talkin’ how to rock AND how to shop the trend to work in your own life, with your own body, in your own closet. Cos that counts. So let’s dive in.

I lovelovelove this trend. For me, it’s a total statement and power piece, and y’all know I like me some power pieces! My exact over the knee boots were $39.99 at Burlington – they’re Chinese Laundry boots that I stumbled upon and flipped out upon seeing. I swear my local Burlington peeps think I’m a crazed shopaholic (guilty as charged) because I’m there every other week for a shopping spree. #NotEvenSorry. There’s only a few of these bad boys left online via Burlington, but you can score similar ones here and in the widget at the end of the post!

Also, a note on my LV bag. I know, I know…I’m a total clearance and sales girl and I’ve got a Louis Vuitton? BUT, for all my bargain babes in the house hoping to snag a Louis someday, there’s hope! Keeks is a Dallas-based retailer that specializes in the buying and selling of authentic designer handbags. They’ve got Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Burberry, Celine, Fendi, Goyard, Michael Kors, Prada, Gucci, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and more, and the selection is awesome. My favorite part of Keeks, though, is their customer service. Their team is truly stellar, and their motto is “Designer fashion without the Designer attitude,” which I TOTALLY get behind. All bags are thoroughly inspected by in-store experts, as well as 3rd party professionals, so you know you’re getting the real deal. However, IF a bag is proven to be non-genuine, they refund 100% of your money and either cover the cost of the 3rd party authentication service or give you an extra 25% store credit besides your refund. There’s no way in heck that I would pay full price for a designer bag, so a retailer like Keeks is exactly my cuppa tea.

How to ROCK it:

With confidence. OTK boots are not for the faint of heart. They WILL draw attention to you, cos they’re hot! If you’re nervous about people looking at yo’ legs, either a.) get over it and recognize that your legs are yours and they’re beautiful, or b.) don’t wear over the knee boots. Obviously, I recommend A. But that’s just me. 😉

Watch out for swampers. What the heck are swampers, you ask? I call swampers any OTK boots that make you look more like you’re going swamping in a marsh than strolling down 5th Avenue. Typically, OTK boots with little shape or structure that just go straight up with no snug factor on your leg can have this effect. Opt for something that either skims the shape of your leg/thigh, or ties somewhere at the top so that you can get that structural feel at the top.

Don’t wear suede in the rain. Many OTK boots this season especially are suede or microsuede in fabric. Whether they’re over the knee boots or not, these are NOT for inclement weather! Stick to wellies for rain and leave the OTK’s for the sunshine.

With shorts. This can sometimes be on the more promiscuous-looking side o’ things if you’re not careful and intentional with the combination of shorts + boots. But, I’ve seen some people wear it SO well, so it’s definitely a trend to try in and of itself! To keep it classy, nix the booty shorts. Wearing booty shorts with thigh-high boots can be a bit too Dominatrix for everyday wear. Opt for shorts that hit more towards mid-thigh, trying to keep the gap between shorts and boots from 1-3 inches max.

With skirts/dresses. PERFECT for transitional wear between seasons! Especially for anyone down south where fall is a wee bit warmer than the Northeast, a long-sleeved, flowy dress in a pretty jewel tone or fall floral print pairs perfectly with OTK boots. Here – especially with skirts – the same general rule applies as with shorts. Keep the gap of skin showing between 1-3 inches. You’ll likely feel more comfortable, too, and less likely to be shimmying to pull your boots up or skirt down in an effort to cover up.

With snug pants. IE, leggings, jeggings, jeans, tights, etc. This is my personal fave wear to rock ’em, as seen here, cos it really makes me feel like a total badass. With leggings, pair your over the knee boots with a longer tunic on top. It’ll have the same vibe as wearing a regular dress with nothing but the boots, but you’ll feel comfy + warm in cooler fall weather. With jeans, make sure they’re jeggings and/or skin tight denim! This way, especially if the boots are snugger fitting all the way up, you’ll avoid any weird lumps or bumps along the leg. Keep it snug and streamlined to be the most comfortable in look AND wear.

How to SHOP it:

Check the top. If it falls down, don’t buy it. You’ll drive yo’self cray having to constantly pull up or re-adjust a drifting downward boot. However, even boots with ties tend to fall down sometimes, and I think it comes down to the fabric underneath! Denim is more grippable and may be more likely to hold up a sinking ship, whereas bare skin or silky tights have more slip than grip. Either way, make sure the boots tie tightly and stay secure up top, and if all else fails, try double stick tap on your skin or tights (just be careful!) to keep it all in place.

Opt for a heel. For all my shorties in the house, this one’s for you especially. The biggest thing I hear from chicas on the shorter side o’ life is that OTK boots make their legs look extra short. The problem? Flat boots will make you look stumpier, whereas heeled boots are more likely to elongate the leg. My theory on WHY this is is that the heel height elongates the shoe, and your frame is elongated accordingly.

Opt for a CHUNKIER heel. Stilettos will have a more nightlife feel and can take a bit more chutzpah to rock. When shopping, consider chunkier heels if you’re looking for a boot to wear from day to night without problem.

Shop suede to avoid swampers, shop leather/pleather to go more rocker. Two over the knee boot shopping mantras.

Make sure you don’t lose your knee. Really though, Especially if you’re worried about seeming too short or disproportionate in your new over the knee boots, avoid this by making sure your knees aren’t lost in the streamline. Some OTK boots are just stick straight up with no wiggle room in shape, and little to no bend with your body. This can literally make you look like you’ve got no knees, which doesn’t help if you’re aiming for taller!

Go with your frame. If you’re petite, stick with more figure-flattering pieces so as to not drown in it all. Your shoes are a statement, so don’t let yourself get lost in it!

For curvier chicas, choose over the knee boots that go to right over your knee.

For taller chicas and/or anyone with long legs trying to accentuate them, go more up the thigh for that mile-high effect.

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How would you rock over the knee boots?

Have you tried the trend yet? How do you feel about it this season? Have you found a specific boot brand or retailer with OTK boots that you simply lovelovelove? I’ve gotta know! Drop the details in the comments section below, and let’s chat about it.

P.S. This giveaways ends TONIGHT. Get on it. 😉

P.S.S. Today is my AMAZING intern Sarah’s birthday! SHOWER HER WITH LOVE in the comments and on social media…she’s simply perfect, and she deserves all the love + happy wishes in the world.

CURRENTLY CRAVING

IN MY MAKEUP BAG

Coming up Roses partners with several affiliate programs, meaning commission can be earned on sales of purchases by those who visit this site and on any Coming up Roses social media platforms. All products submitted to Coming Up Roses are subject to review and will be noted with a "c/o" (courtesy of) next to the credit upon its first placement, if featured. All views expressed on Coming Up Roses are Erica's alone, and she *ONLY* promotes products that she truly loveloveloves.

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